Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Is Partey the right man to solve Arsenal’s dysfunctional midfield?

Arsenal will be hoping they can sign some players this summer as Mikel Arteta aims to put his stamp on the squad. One area Mikel will certainly want to improve is midfield. The Gunners lack strength and control in that area and Arteta has spoken numerous times about wanting to be a team that controls the game and be effective in transition – you cannot do that without a quality and functional midfield.

Entering his prime years, Partey turns 27 next month and is yet to extend his contract at Atletico, which expires at the end of next season.

Partey can play as a defensive midfielder or as a box to box player, but his defensive qualities are more impressive than his attacking.

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Arsenal may need a strong finish to the Premier League season IF it resumes next month in order to secure the signing of Partey according to The Express.

Partey is not the neatest midfielder in possession, with 83.5% pass success rate, but that is in part due to Simeone’s tactics. He averages 52.6 passes per game, making him a player that is heavily involved in the play. With 0.9 key passes per game, he’s not the most creative and tends to leave that to his teammates, but defensively he shines. 2.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and 1.8 aerial duels won per game.

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Whilst he would add much-needed steel and structure to the midfield, does Thomas offer enough going forward to help the Gunners become more productive?

The Gunners odds to sign Thomas Partey during the summer window are pretty high according to this list of sites presented by SportsBettingDime.

Should Partey join, Arsenal are likely to sell a midfielder. Lucas Torreira is regularly linked with moves back to Italy, whilst Granit Xhaka’s winter fallout may have not been forgotten. Arteta’s team selections so far indicate he prefers Granit ahead of Lucas and Matteo (Guendouzi). Personally I think if Partey arrives its likely Torreira will be the one to leave. He has market value and would not be happy seeing his game time limited further.

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